Method for operating execution icon of mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

Functional applications (e.g., widgets) in the form of an icon are implemented to be merged or demerged, and a method for displaying, operating, and managing the widgets in a mobile terminal is disclosed. The concept of UI-wise merging and demerging is applied to the simple widget functions to update the widget functions. Also, widgets can be effectively managed through various scenarios of widget operations. The mobile terminal including: an input unit configured to detect an external input; a display unit configured to display a plurality of widgets; and a controller configured to merge or demerge widgets or execute an integrated function based on merged widgets according to an external input.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119, this application claims the benefit ofKorean Application No. 10-2008-0120751, filed on Dec. 1, 2008 and KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0063177, filed on Jul. 10, 2009, the contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and, moreparticularly, to user interface (UI) of a mobile terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a portable device having one or more functions ofvoice and video communications, inputting/outputting information,storing data, or the like.

As mobile terminals have various functions besides communication, suchas capturing images and video via a camera, playing music files orvideo, playing games, receiving broadcasts, or the like, mobileterminals are implemented in the form of comprehensive multimediaplayers.

Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the complicated functions ofthe multimedia players. Such efforts include a touch screen and a userinterface (UI) allowing a user to easily and conveniently manipulate andselect menus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address theabove-noted and other problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminalcapable of merging and demerging functional applications in the form oficons.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobileterminal for managing execution and displaying of functionalapplications in the form of icons.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in one aspect a mobile terminal including: aninput unit configured to detect an external input; a display unitconfigured to display a plurality of widgets; and a controllerconfigured to merge or demerge widgets or execute an integrated functionbased on merged widgets according to an external input.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in another aspect a method for operating awidget of a mobile terminal, including: coupling two or more widgetsaccording to a user selection; displaying an integrated widget accordingto the merged widgets; and selectively executing one of functions of theintegrated widget according to a user input.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by illustration only, since various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings,which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of thepresent invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mobile terminal implementing anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal implementing anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal implementing anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front views for explaining an operational state ofthe mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view for explaining a proximity depth of aproximity sensor;

FIGS. 5A to 5D are overviews of display screens illustrating mergedicons in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are overviews of display screens illustrating merging ofan already combined icon with another icon and displaying the same inthe mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A to 7D are overviews of display screens illustrating merging ofone already merged icon and another already merged icon and displayingthe same in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8D are overviews of display screens illustrating demergingicons in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9D are overviews of display screens illustrating storing ofinformation related to icons in the mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A to 10D are overviews of display screens illustratingtransmission of information related to icons in the mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a user interfacemethod of the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 12A to 12F are overviews of display screens illustrating mergingand demerging widgets each having different theme;

FIG. 13 is an overview of a display screen illustrating an example ofmerging and demerging of widgets having particular themes;

FIG. 14 is overviews of display screens illustrating another example ofmerging and demerging of FIG. 13

FIG. 15 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition ofautomatically aligned widgets according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition ofmanually aligned widgets according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition offixedly designated widgets according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is overviews of display screens set for widget disposition;

FIG. 19 is overviews of display screens of widget disposition fortransferring a particular message;

FIG. 20 is overviews of display screens illustrating locations ofwidgets newly added to the screen;

FIG. 21 illustrates the space between widgets;

FIG. 22 is overviews of display screens illustrating a widget managementtool for a screen display;

FIGS. 23(A) to 23(D) illustrate a method for discriminating widgetsbased on color;

FIG. 24 illustrates is overviews of display screens illustrating afunction connection between widgets;

FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) are overviews of display screens illustrating amass sense of widgets; and

FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B) illustrate a method for displaying widgets byusing motion paths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The mobile terminal according to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the following description, usage of suffixes such as‘module’, ‘part’ or ‘unit’ used for referring to elements is givenmerely to facilitate explanation of the present invention, withouthaving any significant meaning by itself.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mobile terminal implementing anembodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal described in the present invention may includemobile phones, smart phones, notebook computers, digital broadcastreceivers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable MultimediaPlayer), navigation devices, and the like. It would be understood by aperson in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments ofthe present invention can be also applicable to the fixed types ofterminals such as digital TVs, desk top computers, or the like, exceptfor any elements especially configured for a mobile purpose.

The mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The mobile terminal 100 may include a wireless communication unit 110,an A/V (Audio/Video) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensingunit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface unit 170, acontroller 180, and a power supply unit 190, etc.

FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal as having various components, but it isshould be understood that implementing all of the illustrated componentsis not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively beimplemented.

The elements of the mobile terminal will be described in detail asfollows.

The wireless communication unit 110 may receive information related toan icon via a network (e.g., a mobile communication network, a broadcastnetwork, the Internet, a short-range communication network, etc.). Also,the wireless communication unit 110 transmits data including informationrelated to a merged icon to other terminal or to a network server. Also,the wireless communication unit 110 may transmit information related tothe merged icon via a wireless Internet network or a mobilecommunication network.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or morecomponents allowing radio communication between the mobile terminal 100and a wireless communication system or a network in which the mobileterminal is located. For example, the wireless communication unit mayinclude at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managementserver (or other network entity) via a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and/or aterrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may be a serverthat generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information or a server that receives a previously generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and transmitsthe same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcastsignal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and the like.Also, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information may refer to information associatedwith a broadcast channel, a broadcast program or a broadcast serviceprovider. The broadcast associated information may also be provided viaa mobile communication network and, in this case, the broadcastassociated information may be received by the mobile communicationmodule 112.

The broadcast signal may exist in various forms. For example, it mayexist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of digitalmultimedia broadcasting (DMB), electronic service guide (ESG) of digitalvideo broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receive signalsbroadcast by using various types of broadcast systems. In particular,the broadcast receiving module 111 may receive a digital broadcast byusing a digital broadcast system such as multimediabroadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only(MediaFLO®), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T),etc. The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitablefor every broadcast system that provides a broadcast signal as well asthe above-mentioned digital broadcast systems. Broadcast signals and/orbroadcast-associated information received via the broadcast receivingmodule 111 may be stored in the memory 160 (or anther type of storagemedium).

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and/or receives radiosignals to and/or from at least one of a base station (e.g., accesspoint, Node B, etc.), an external terminal (e.g., other user devices)and a server (or other network entities). Such radio signals may includea voice call signal, a video call signal or various types of dataaccording to text and/or multimedia message transmission and/orreception.

The wireless Internet module 113 supports wireless Internet access forthe mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupledto the terminal. The wireless Internet access technique implemented mayinclude a WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax(World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High SpeedDownlink Packet Access), or the like.

The short-range communication module 114 is a module for supportingshort range communications. Some examples of short-range communicationtechnology includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID),Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee™, and thelike.

The location information module 115 is a module for checking oracquiring a location (or position) of the mobile terminal. For example,the location information module 115 may be embodied as a GPS (GlobalPositioning System) module

With reference to FIG. 1, the A/V input unit 120 is configured toreceive an audio or video signal. The NV input unit 120 may include acamera 121 (or other image capture device) and a microphone 122 (orother sound pick-up device). The camera 121 processes image data ofstill pictures or video obtained by an image capture device in a videocapturing mode or an image capturing mode. The processed image framesmay be displayed on a display unit 151 (or other visual output device).

The image frames processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory160 (or other storage medium) or transmitted via the wirelesscommunication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be providedaccording to the configuration of the mobile terminal.

The microphone 122 may receive sounds (audible data) via a microphone(or the like) in a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, and the like, and can process such sounds into audiodata. The processed audio (voice) data may be converted for output intoa format transmittable to a mobile communication base station (or othernetwork entity) via the mobile communication module 112 in case of thephone call mode. The microphone 122 may implement various types of noisecanceling (or suppression) algorithms to cancel (or suppress) noise orinterference generated in the course of receiving and transmitting audiosignals.

The user input unit 130 (or other user input device) may generate keyinput data from commands entered by a user to control various operationsof the mobile terminal.

The user input unit 130 may receive a signal for designating two or moreicons among icons displayed according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention from the user. The signal for designating two or moreicons may be received through a touch input or through a hard key andsoft key input.

The user input unit 130 may receive an input for selecting a pluralityof ions or a merged icon from the user. Also, the user input unit 130may receive an input for generating an icon related to a function thatcan be performed by the mobile terminal from the user. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, besides icons previously set inmanufacturing the mobile terminal 100 or an icon received via a network,the user can generate a desired icon by himself and display it on astandby screen (i.e., idle screen).

The user input unit 130 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad(e.g., a touch sensitive member that detects changes in resistance,pressure, capacitance, etc. due to being contacted) a jog wheel, a jogswitch, and the like. In particular, when the touch pad is overlaid onthe display unit 151 in a layered manner, it may form a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 (or other detection means) detects a current status(or state) of the mobile terminal 100 such as an opened or closed stateof the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, thepresence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal 100 (i.e.,touch inputs), the orientation of the mobile terminal 100, anacceleration or deceleration movement and direction of the mobileterminal 100, etc., and generates commands or signals for controllingthe operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobileterminal 100 is implemented as a slide type mobile phone, the sensingunit 140 may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. Inaddition, the sensing unit 140 can detect whether or not the powersupply unit 190 supplies power or whether or not the interface unit 170is coupled with an external device. The sensing unit 140 may include aproximity sensor 141, which will be described in association with thetouch screen.

The interface unit 170 (or other connection means) serves as aninterface by which at least one external device may be connected withthe mobile terminal 100. For example, the external devices may includewired or wireless headset ports, an external power supply (or batterycharger) ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, portsfor connecting a device having an identification module, audioinput/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, or the like.

The identification module may be a memory chip (or other element withmemory or storage capabilities) that stores various information forauthenticating user's authority for using the mobile terminal 100 andmay include a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM) a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (referred to asthe ‘identifying device’, hereinafter) may take the form of a smartcard. Accordingly, the identifying device may be connected with theterminal 100 via a port or other connection means.

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an externalcradle, the interface unit 170 may serve as a conduit o allow power fromthe cradle to be supplied therethrough to the mobile terminal 100 or mayserve as a conduit to allow various command signals inputted from thecradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal therethrough. Variouscommand signals or power inputted from the cradle may operate as signalsfor recognizing when the mobile terminal is properly mounted on thecradle.

The output unit 150 is configured to provide outputs in a visual,audible, and/or tactile manner (e.g., audio signal, video signal, alarmsignal, vibration signal, etc.). The output unit 150 may include thedisplay unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, ahaptic module 154, and the like.

The display unit 151 may display information processed in the mobileterminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a phonecall mode, the display unit 151 may display a User Interface (UI) or aGraphic User Interface (GUI) associated with a call or othercommunication (such as text messaging, multimedia file downloading,etc.). When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or imagecapturing mode, the display unit 151 may display a captured image and/orreceived image, a UI or GUI that shows videos or images and functionsrelated thereto, and the like.

The display unit 151 may display a plurality of icons related to acertain function or a merged icon generated by merging designated iconsamong the plurality of icons on the idle screen image.

The idle screen image may be a screen image initially displayed when theuser manipulates the mobile terminal 100. Information such as the amountof power supply of the mobile terminal 100, date, time, a receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI), etc., may be displayed on the idlescreen.

The icon may be related to a certain function provided by the mobileterminal. The icon may be implemented in the form of a graphic userinterface (GUI). Icons related the certain function may be implementedin the form of widgets.

The GUI or the widgets may function to display information related totime or date (including time or date of an area using different standardtime from that of an area in which the mobile terminal 100 is located),a D-day, weather, a geographical feature, economy information (includingthe exchange rate, stock prices, and various economic indexes), aschedule, search information (including search frequency information ofeach search word provided in a Web page of a search engine of theInternet), and the like.

Or, the GUI or the widgets may function to guide the user to executefunctions of the mobile terminal, such as functions related to acalculator, an e-dictionary, a scratch pad, alarm, schedule management,access to a previously designated Web page, a tool bar for Internetsearch, a photo album, etc.

The icons may be received via a network or may be previously stored inthe mobile terminal 100.

The merged icon may be generated by merging the two or more icons, orthe icon with any merged icon. Merging of icons refers to displaying twoor more designated icons or a merged icon, as a single merged icon, onthe screen and associating a function related to the two or more mergedicons to the displayed merged icon.

Associating the function related to the two or more merged icons to themerged icon means that when the merged icon is selected, the mobileterminal performs the function associated with the merged icon.

The location or the size of the plurality of icons or the merged icondisplayed on the display unit 151 may be changed on the screen by theuser.

The display unit 151 may display the merged icon on an area smaller thanthe sum of the areas of the two or more designated icons displayed onthe idle screen.

When a plurality of icons are displayed on the idle screen, icons with alow use frequency are merged to generate a merged icon, and the areataken by the merged icon on the screen is set to be smaller than the sumof the areas of the designated icons, to thereby lower the area ratio ofthe icons on the idle screen. Thus, the idle screen can be effectivelyused.

The display unit 151 may demerge the merged icon two or more icons anddisplay the same according to a user selection. The separately displayedtwo or more icons may be the two or more icons designated to generatethe merged icon.

The display unit 151 may include at least one of a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-LCD (TFT-LCD), an Organic LightEmitting Diode (OLED), a flexible display and a three-dimensional (3D)display. Some of them may be configured to be transparent to allowviewing of the exterior therethrough, which may be called transparentdisplays. A typical transparent display may be, for example, a TOLED(Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode), or the like. The rearstructure of the display unit 151 may include the light transmissivestructure. With such a structure, the user can view an object located ata rear side of the terminal body through the region occupied by thedisplay unit 151 of the terminal body.

The mobile terminal 100 may include two or more display units accordingto its embodiment. For example, a plurality of display units may beseparately or integrally disposed on one surface or disposed on bothsurfaces of the mobile terminal, respectively.

Meanwhile, when the display unit 151 and a sensor (referred to as a‘touch sensor’, hereinafter) are overlaid in a layered manner (referredto as a ‘touch screen’, hereinafter), the display unit 151 may be usedas both an input device and an output device. The touch sensor may havethe form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, etc.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a pressure applied to aparticular portion of the display unit 151 or a change in capacitance ata particular portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical inputsignal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect the pressure when atouch is applied, as well as a touched position or area.

When a touch with respect to the touch sensor is inputted, correspondingsignal (signals) are transmitted to a touch controller. The touchcontroller processes the signal (signals) and transmit correspondingdata to the controller 180. Thus, the controller 180 can recognize whichportion of the display unit 151 has been touched.

With reference to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed withinthe mobile terminal covered by the touch screen or near the touchscreen. The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor for detecting thepresence or absence of an object that accesses a certain detect surfaceor an object that exists nearby by using the force of electromagnetismor infrared rays without a mechanical contact. Thus, the proximitysensor 141 has a longer life span compared with a contact type sensor,and it can be utilized for various purposes.

The example of the proximity sensor 141 may be a transmission type photosensor, a direct reflection type photo sensor, a mirror-reflection typephoto sensor, an RF oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitancetype proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infraredproximity sensor. When the touch screen is an electrostatic type touchscreen, an approach of the pointer is detected based on a change in anelectric field according to the approach of the pointer. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

In the following description, for the sake of brevity, recognition ofthe pointer positioned to be close to the touch screen without beingcontacted will be called a ‘proximity touch’, while recognition ofactual contacting of the pointer on the touch screen will be called a‘contact touch’. In this case, when the pointer is in the state of theproximity touch, it means that the pointer is positioned to correspondvertically to the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141 detects a proximity touch and a proximity touchpattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch speed, aproximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touchmovement state, or the like), and information corresponding to thedetected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern canbe outputted to the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from thewireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a callsignal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognitionmode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. Also, the audio outputmodule 152 may provide audible outputs related to a particular function(e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.)performed in the mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 mayinclude a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for informing about an occurrence ofan event of the mobile terminal 100. Events generated in the mobileterminal may include call signal reception, message reception, keysignal inputs, a touch input etc. In addition to video or audio signals,the alarm unit 153 may output signals in a different manner, forexample, to inform about an occurrence of an event. The video or audiosignals may be also outputted via the audio output module 152, so thedisplay unit 151 and the audio output module 152 may be classified asparts of the alarm unit 153.

A haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects the user may feel.A typical example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module154 is vibration. The strength and pattern of the haptic module 154 canbe controlled. For example, different vibrations may be combined to beoutputted or sequentially outputted.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 154 may generate various othertactile effects such as an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin, a sprayforce or suction force of air through a jet orifice or a suctionopening, a contact on the skin, a contact of an electrode, electrostaticforce, etc., an effect by reproducing the sense of cold and warmth usingan element that can absorb or generate heat.

The haptic module 154 may be implemented to allow the user to feel atactile effect through a muscle sensation such as fingers or arm of theuser, as well as transferring the tactile effect through a directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to theconfiguration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store software programs used for the processing andcontrolling operations performed by the controller 180, or maytemporarily store data (e.g., a phonebook, messages, still images,video, etc.) that are inputted or outputted. In addition, the memory 160may store data regarding various patterns of vibrations and audiosignals outputted when a touch is inputted to the touch screen.

The memory 160 may store information related to an icon or a merged iconaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theinformation related to the icon or the merged icon may include graphicinformation for displaying the icon or the merged icon on the screen,information regarding functions related to the icon or the merged icon,and the like.

The memory 160 may store information related to an icon generatedthrough the user input unit 130 or a merged icon generated by merging aplurality of icons.

The memory 160 may include at least one type of storage medium includinga flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-typememory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), aStatic Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), anElectrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), aProgrammable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magneticdisk, and an optical disk. Also, the mobile terminal 100 may be operatedin relation to a web storage device that performs the storage functionof the memory 160 over the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the general operations of themobile terminal. For example, the controller 180 performs controllingand processing associated with voice calls, data communications, videocalls, and the like. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module181 for reproducing multimedia data. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured within the controller 180 or may be configured to beseparated from the controller 180.

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition processing torecognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed onthe touch screen as characters or images, respectively.

The controller 180 may merge a plurality of icons designated by the userto generate a merged icon. The controller 180 may control the displayunit 151 to display the merged icon.

When the merged icon is selected by the user, the controller 180 mayperform two or more functions related to two or more icons designatedfor generating the merged icon. The two or more icons designated forgenerating the merged icon may include a merged icon. Thus, the two ormore functions related to the designated two or more icons may includefunctions related to another two or more icons designated to generatethe merged icon.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or internal power andsupplies appropriate power required for operating respective elementsand components under the control of the controller 180.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable or its similar medium using, for example, software,hardware, or any combination thereof.

For hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented by using at least one of application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signalprocessing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic units designed to performthe functions described herein. In some cases, such embodiments may beimplemented in the controller 180.

For software implementation, the embodiments such as procedures orfunctions may be implemented together with separate software modulesthat allow performing of at least one function or operation. Softwarecodes can be implemented by a software application (or program) writtenin any suitable programming language. The software codes may be storedin the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

So far, the mobile terminal has been described from the perspective ofits functions. Hereinafter, external elements of the mobile terminalwill be described from the perspective of their functions with referenceto FIGS. 2 and 3.

The mobile terminal may be implemented in a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include folder-type,bar-type, swing-type, a slide type, as well as various otherconfigurations. The following description will primarily relate to aslide-type mobile terminal. However, such description can equally applyto other types of mobile terminals.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal has a bar type terminal body. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto and may be applicable to a slide typemobile terminal, a folder type mobile terminal, a swing type mobileterminal, a swivel type mobile terminal, etc, in which two or morebodies are combined to be relatively movable.

The body includes a case (or casing, housing, cover, etc.) constitutingthe external appearance. In this embodiment, the case may include afront case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components areinstalled in the space between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.One or more intermediate cases may be additionally disposed between thefront case 101 and the rear case 102.

The cases may be formed by injection-molding a synthetic resin or may bemade of a metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium(Ti), etc.

The display unit 151, the audio output module 152, the camera 121, theuser input unit 130, 131, 132, the microphone 122, the interface unit170, etc. may be disposed mainly on the front case 101.

The display unit 151 takes most portion of a circumferential surface ofthe front case 101. The audio output unit 151 and the camera 121 aredisposed at a region adjacent to one end portion among both end portionsof the display unit 151, and the user input unit 131 and the microphone122 are disposed at a region adjacent to another end portion. The userinput unit 132 and the interface unit 170 may be disposed at the sidesof the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input units 130 is manipulated to receive a command forcontrolling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include aplurality of manipulation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131and 132 may be generally referred to as a manipulating portion, andvarious methods and techniques can be employed for the manipulationportion so long as they can be operated by the user in a tactile manner.

Content inputted by the first and second manipulation units 131 and 132can be variably set. For example, the first manipulation unit 131 mayreceive a command such as starting, ending, scrolling, etc., and thesecond manipulation unit 32 may receive a command such as controlling ofthe size of a sound outputted from the audio output unit 152 orconversion into a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal as shown inFIG. 2A.

With reference to FIG. 2B, a camera 121′ may additionally be disposed onthe rear surface of the terminal body, namely, on the rear case 102. Thecamera 121′ may have an image capture direction which is substantiallyopposite to that of the camera 121 (See FIG. 2A), and have a differentnumber of pixels than the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 may have a smaller number of pixels tocapture an image of the user's face and transmit such image to anotherparty, and the camera 121′ may have a larger number of pixels to capturean image of a general object and not immediately transmit it in mostcases. The cameras 121 and 121′ may be installed on the terminal bodysuch that they can be rotatable or popped up.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 may be additionally disposed adjacent tothe camera 121′. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera121′, the flash 123 illuminates the subject. The mirror 124 allows theuser to see himself when he wants to capture his own image (i.e.,self-image capturing) by using the camera 121′.

An audio output unit 152′ may be additionally disposed on the rearsurface of the terminal body. The audio output module 152′ may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the audio output module152 (See FIG. 2A) and may be also used for implementing a speaker phonemode for call communication.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna 124 may be disposed at the side ofthe terminal body, in addition to an antenna that is used for mobilecommunications. The antenna 124 constituting a portion of the broadcastreceiving module 111 (See FIG. 1) can also be configured to beretractable from the terminal body.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100is mounted on the terminal body. The power supply unit 190 may beinstalled within the terminal body or may be directly attached to ordetached from the exterior of the terminal body.

A touch pad 135 for detecting a touch may be additionally mounted on therear case 102. The touch pad 135 may be configured to be lighttransmissive like the display unit 151. In this case, when the displayunit 151 is configured to output visual information from both sidesthereof, the visual information may be recognized also via the touch pad135. The information outputted from both sides may be all controlled bythe touch pad 135. Alternatively, a display may be additionally mountedon the touch pad so that a touch screen may be disposed also on the rearcase 102.

The touch pad 135 is operated in association with the display unit 151of the front case 101. The touch pad 135 may be disposed to be parallelon the rear side of the display unit 151. The touch pad 135 may have thesame size as the display unit 151 or smaller.

The associated operation method of the display unit 151 and the touchpad 135 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front views of the mobile terminal for explaining anoperation state of the mobile terminal according to the presentinvention.

Various types of visual information may be displayed on the display unit151. The information may be displayed in the form of character, number,symbol, graphic, icon, etc. In order to input the information, at leastone of the character, number, symbol, graphic and icon is displayed in acertain arrangement so as to be implemented in the form of a keypad.Such keypad may be so-called ‘soft key’.

FIG. 3A shows receiving a touch applied to a soft key on the frontsurface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 may be operated as a whole region or may be dividedinto a plurality of regions and accordingly operated. In the lattercase, the plurality of regions may be operation in association with eachother.

For example, an output window 151 a and an input window 151 b may bedisplayed at upper and lower portions of the display unit 151,respectively. Soft keys 151 c including numbers for inputting a phonenumber or the like are outputted on the input window 151 b. When thesoft key 151 c is touched, a number corresponding to the touched softkey is displayed on the output window 151 a. When the first manipulationunit 131 is manipulated, a call connection with respect to a phonenumber displayed on the output window 151 a is attempted.

FIG. 3B shows receiving of a touch applied to the soft key through therear surface of the terminal body. If FIG. 3A shows a portrait in whichthe terminal body is disposed vertically, FIG. 3B shows a landscape inwhich the terminal body is disposed horizontally. The display unit 151may be configured to convert an output screen image according to thedisposition direction of the terminal body.

FIG. 3B shows an operation of a text input mode in the mobile terminal.An output window 151 a′ and an input window 151 b′ are displayed on thedisplay unit 151. A plurality of soft keys 151 c′ including at least oneof characters, symbols and numbers may be arranged on the input window151 b′. The soft keys 151 c′ may be arranged in the form of Qwerty keys.

When the soft keys 151 c′ are touched through the touch pad 135 (SeeFIG.

2B), characters, numbers, symbols, or the like, corresponding to thetouched soft keys are displayed on the output window 151 a′. Comparedwith a touch input through the display unit 151, a touch input throughthe touch pad 135 can advantageously prevent the soft keys 151 c′ frombeing covered by user's fingers when touching is made. When the displayunit 151 and the touch pad 135 are formed to be transparent, the user'sfingers put on the rear surface of the terminal body can be viewed withnaked eyes, so the touch input can be more accurately performed.

Besides the input methods presented in the above-described embodiments,the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135 may be configured to receive atouch through scrolling. The user may move a cursor or a pointerpositioned on an entity, e.g., an icon or the like, displayed on thedisplay unit 151 by scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135.In addition, when the user moves his fingers on the display unit 151 orthe touch pad 135, the path along which the user's fingers move may bevisually displayed on the display unit 151. This would be useful inediting an image displayed on the display unit 151.

One function of the terminal may be executed in case where the displayunit 151 (touch screen) and the touch pad 135 are touched togetherwithin a certain time range. The both touches may be clamping theterminal body with the user's thumb and index finger. The one functionmay be, for example, activation or deactivation of the display unit 151or the touch pad 135.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view for explaining the depth of proximity of theproximity sensor.

The proximity sensor 141 will now be described in detail with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer such as the user's finger, a pen, orthe like, approaches the touch screen, the proximity sensor 141 disposedwithin or near the touch screen detects it and outputs a proximitysignal.

The proximity sensor 141 may be configured to output a differentproximity signal according to the distance (referred to as a ‘proximitydepth’, hereinafter) between the closely touched pointer and the touchscreen.

FIG. 4 shows the section of the touch screen with the proximity sensorfor detecting, for example, three proximity depths. The proximity sensormay detect three or less or four or more proximity depths.

In detail, when the pointer is perfectly brought into contact with thetouch screen d0, it is recognized as a contact touch. When the pointeris positioned to be spaced apart by shorter than a distance d1 on thetouch screen, it is recognized as a proximity touch with a firstproximity depth. If the pointer is positioned to be spaced apart by thedistance longer than the distance d1 but shorter than a distance d2 onthe touch screen, it is recognized as a proximity touch with a secondproximity depth. If the pointer is positioned to be spaced apart by thedistance longer than the distance d2 but shorter than a distance d3, itis recognized as a proximity touch with a third proximity depth. If thepointer is positioned to be spaced apart by longer than the distance d3on the touch screen, it is recognized that the proximity touch has beenreleased.

Accordingly, the controller 180 may recognize the proximity touches asvarious input signals according to the proximity depths and proximitypositions of the pointer, and may control various operations accordingto the various input signals.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is toimplement functional applications (referred to as ‘widgets’,hereinafter) in the form of icons such that they are merged (i.e.combined, consolidated, etc.) or demerged (i.e. divided, separated,etc.), and implement a method for managing displaying of widgets.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are overviews of display screens illustrating mergedicons in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of icons W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 may bedisplayed on the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100. The iconsmay be related to functions such as displaying time (W1), displayingweather (W2), activating the function of an e-dictionary of the mobileterminal (W3), activating music play function of the mobile terminal(W4), or guiding subway lines (W5), and the like.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forselecting at least one (W1) of the plurality of icons displayed on thescreen from the user. As shown in FIG. 5B, the input for selecting atleast one icon W1 may be a touch input. Alternatively, the input forselecting at least one icon W1 may be received by using a keypad, a domeswitch, a touch pad (e.g., a touch sensitive member that detects changesin resistance, pressure, capacitance, etc. due to being contacted) a jogwheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The user may select at least one icon W2 to be merged with the selectedone icon W1.

FIG. 5B illustrates that the icon W2 is selected to which the icon W1first selected by the user is dragged and merged. Besides, a touch inputmay be simultaneously applied to select a plurality of icons desired tobe merged.

The plurality of icons selected by the user to generate a merged iconmay be simultaneously selected, or may be sequentially selected as shownin FIG. 5B.

Three or more icons may be selected by the user in order to generate amerged icon.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the mobile terminal 100 may display the state ofmerging of the plurality of icons W1 and W2 selected by the user. Thestate of merging of the plurality of icons W1 and W2 may be displayed byusing an icon M1 in the merging.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the mobile terminal 100 may display amerging-completed icon M2 on the screen. The merged icon M2 may functiontwo or more functions related to the two or more icons designated togenerated the merged icon.

For example, it is assumed that the icon W1 displaying time and the iconW2 displaying weather have been selected in order to generate the mergedicon M2.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 5D, the merged icon M1 may display bothtime and weather. The shape of the merged icon M1 may be stored in thememory 160 or may be displayed by using data received by the wirelesscommunication unit 110 via a network.

For another example, when two applications have already been performed,if a user activates other application by selecting one widget, twowidgets related to the performed applications are merged and thendisplayed on at least part of a display. The display may further includea displaying portion of the other application.

At this time, an operation of the performed applications may be stopped.The merged widgets may be lower layer menu of a specific menu.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are overviews of display screens illustrating merging ofan already combined icon with another icon and displaying the same inthe mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

The plurality of icons selected to a merged icon may include an alreadymerged icon.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in order to generate a merged icon, the mobileterminal may receive an input for selecting the previously merged iconM2 from the user.

The user may drag the initially selected merged icon M1 to the locationof another icon W3, with which the merged icon M1 to be merged, toselect the icon W3.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the mobile terminal 100 may display the state inwhich the plurality of icons M2 and W3 selected by the user are merged.The state in which the plurality of icons M2 and W3 are merged can beexpressed by displaying an icon M3 in the merging.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the mobile terminal 100 may display the merged iconM4.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are overviews of display screens illustrating merging ofone already merged icon and another already merged icon and displayingthe same in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the mobile terminal may select a plurality of iconsW4 and W5

As shown in FIG. 7B, the mobile terminal may display a merged icon M5 inaddition to the merged icon M2.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forselecting the merged icon M5 different from the merged icon M2.

As shown in FIG. 7D, the mobile terminal may merge the merged icon M2and another merged icon M5 to generate a merged icon M6 and display themerged icon M6 on the screen.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are overviews of display screens illustrating demergingicons in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forselecting at least one merged icon M2 from among merged icons displayedon the screen. When the merged icon M2 is selected by the user, the usermay display a function applicable to the merged icon on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input fordemerging the selected merged icon M2 from the user.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the mobile terminal 100 may display a state inwhich the merged icon M2 selected by the user is demerged. The state inwhich the merged icon M2 is demerged may be expressed by displaying theicon M1 in the demerging.

As shown in FIG. 8D, the mobile terminal 100 may display a plurality ofdemerged icons W1 and W2 on the screen. When the icons are separatelydisplayed, the functions corresponding to the merged icons can beseparated.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are overviews of display screens illustrating storing ofinformation related to icons in the mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forselecting at least one merged icon M2 from among a plurality of mergedicons displayed on the screen. If at least one merged icon M2 isselected by the user, the mobile terminal can display a functionapplicable to the merged icon on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forstoring the selected merged icon M2 from the user.

When the input for storing the merged icon M2 is received, the mobileterminal 100 may store information about the merged icon M2 or an iconin the memory 160. The information related to the icon or the mergedicon may include at least one of graphic information, a combinationinformation of menus (applications), an URL information related tomerged widget for displaying the icon or the merged icon on the screenor information regarding a function related to the icon or the mergedicon, and the like.

The memory may be a SIM card.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the mobile terminal 100 may receive the name foridentifying information related to the icon or the merged icon. The namefor identifying the information may include a file name.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the mobile terminal 100 may display the fact thatthe information related to the icon or the merged icon has been storedin the memory 160, on the screen.

FIGS. 10A to 10D are overviews of display screens illustratingtransmission of information related to icons in the mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the mobile terminal may receive an input forselecting at least one M2 of the merged icons displayed on the screen.When the at least one merged icon M2 is selected by the user, the mobileterminal may display a function applicable to the merged icon on thescreen.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input forselecting transmission of the information related to the selected mergedicon M2 from the user.

As shown in FIG. 10C, the mobile terminal 100 may receive an input fordesignating a terminal to which the information related to the selectedmerged icon from the user.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the mobile terminal 100 may display the fact thatthe information related to the merged icon has been transmitted to thedesignated terminal, on the screen.

At this time, the information related to the merged icon may include atleast one of graphic information, a combination information of menus(applications), an URL information related to merged widgets fordisplaying the merged icon on the screen or information regarding afunction related or the merged icon, and the like.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a user interfacemethod of the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 may display a plurality of icons related tocertain functions on the idle screen (S101). The user may select two ormore icons desired to be merged from among the plurality of iconsdisplayed on the idle screen, and the mobile terminal may receive aninput for selecting two or more icons from the user (S102).

The mobile terminal 100 may generate a merged icon by merging designatedicons (S103).

When the mobile terminal 100 generates the merged icon, the mobileterminal may display the generated merged icon on the idle screen(S104).

Examples of merging and demerging widgets in a functional aspect andwidget display methods in the aspect of management, in a physical aspectand in a visual aspect according to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention will now be described.

The merging and demerging of widgets in the functional aspect accordingto a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed.

FIGS. 12A to 12E are overviews of display screens illustrating mergingand demerging widgets each having different theme.

A widget is a functional application that can be activated to executevarious functions related to a mobile terminal. Such widgets may be inthe form of a graphical icon (e.g. a short-cut button) with a functionalapplication related thereto already stored in the mobile terminal ornewly downloaded from a network.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, various widgets for executing a time display (W1), a weatherdisplay (W2), an e-dictionary (W3), a music player (W4), a subway guide(S5), and the like, on the screen (i.e., the display unit 151) of theterminal. A user input for selecting a widget is received through thescreen 151, and the corresponding function is executed. The user inputfor selecting the widget may be received by using a keypad, a domeswitch, a touch pad (e.g., a touch sensitive member that detects changesin resistance, pressure, capacitance, etc. due to being contacted) a jogwheel, a jog switch, and the like.

Widget icons regarding a phone book (phone book, speed number, groupmanagement, etc.), a voice call (dial, call list, etc.), a video call, amessage, an alarm, a schedule, setting/locking (screen, sound, touch,lock, etc.), a camera (image capture, gallery, etc.), an MP3, abroadcast (TV) contents searcher, MT (multi-tasking), BT (Bluetooth),Web/browser, viewer (text viewer, file viewer, etc.), e-dictionary,integrated data search, a subway line map, weather, stocks, e-bookupdate (update information regarding new book of the week,steady-seller, best-seller, etc.), and the like, may be present on theidle screen of the mobile terminal.

FIG. 12B illustrates merging of widgets.

As shown in FIG. 12B, at least two widget icons simultaneously selectedby a multi-touch input may be dragged (e.g., collide) to be merged. Inthis case, the integrated icon generated from the merging may bedisplayed to have a changed form and may simultaneously select/displayor select/execute at least two or more functions according to a userselection.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user caneasily recognize whether or not two widgets can be merged. If twowidgets can be merged, the controller 180 may provide control such thata new-shaped widget appears or widgets can be changed in their shapewhen widgets overlap.

Meanwhile, two widgets cannot be merged, the controller 180 does notchange the shape of the widgets. When a new widget is downloaded, theuser may previously check which widgets can be merged with reference towidget installation information. In an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, three or more widgets may be merged.

FIG. 12 c illustrates an integrated widget M2 generated by merging awidget W1 having a clock display function and a widget W2 having aweather display function. FIG. 12 d illustrates an integrated widget M3generated by merging a widget W6 having an e-mail transmission functionand a widget W7 having a function of loading and displaying a file asdisplayed on the screen of the terminal.

The integrated widgets M2 and M3 perform not only the integratedfunctions generated through the merging but the function of theindividual widgets of the integrated widget.

FIGS. 12E to 12F illustrate integrated widgets and its managementmethod.

As mentioned above, the integrated widget may perform an integratedfunction generated through the merging or execute the function of theindividual widgets of the integrated widget according to a userselection.

In order to perform the function of the individual widgets, theintegrated widget may include a button B10 as shown in FIG. 12E. Whenthe button B10 is selected (touched), the controller 180 makes theindividual widgets appear near the integrated widget, so that the usercan select (or execute) of the individual widgets. The controller 180provides control such that the individual widgets near the integratedwidget icon appears only while the button B10 is being touched.

In addition, it may be implemented such that the individual widgets nearthe integrated widget icon may appear during a certain time period andthen disappear when the button B10 is touched.

Another embodiment of the integrated widget illustrated in FIG. 12 willnow be described.

When an integrated widget icon is generated by merging a video call iconand a message icon and the user touches the integrated widget icon for aprolonged duration (i.e., for a long term), the controller 180 mayexecute a menu in which the user can perform text chatting (the user canmake conversation in real time with a counterpart of a video call or athird party by using messages or a messenger, and content of exchangedtext is accumulatively displayed on the screen) during video callcommunication. However, if the user touches the integrated widget iconfor a short term, the individual widget icons of the integrated widgeticon may be discriminately displayed and one of the menus of them may beselectively executed.

For another example, when an integrated widget icon is generated bymerging a camera icon and a broadcast icon and the user touches it for along term, the controller 180 may display a screen image for allowingfor simultaneous execution of camera-related image capturing, a photoalbum view or a broadcast view. If, however, the user touches theintegrated widget icon for a short term, the individual widget icons ofthe integrated widget icon can be discriminately displayed and one ofthe menus of them may be selectively executed.

For another example, when an integrated widget icon is generated bymerging the weather icon, the weather icon, the e-book update icon, andthe like, and the user touches it for a long term, the controller 180may update relevant information of the individual icons constituting themerged integrated icon and display the updated information all togetheron the screen. If, however, the user touches the integrated widget iconfor a short term, the individual widget icons of the integrated widgeticon can be discriminately displayed and one of the menus of them may beselectively executed.

For another example, when an integrated widget icon is generated bymerging password-set widget icons (e.g., certain programs for which apassword has been set) and the user touches it for a long term, thecontroller 180 may display a password input window, and when acorresponding password is inputted, the controller 180 unlocks all themerged icons. However, if the user touches the integrated widget iconfor a short terminal, the individual icons constituting the merged iconare discriminately displayed. When the user selects one of menus ofthem, the controller 180 displays the password input window, and when acorresponding password is inputted, the controller executes the selectedmenu.

For another example, when an integrated widget icon is generated bymerging a file viewer (include a viewer allowing viewing of e-bookcontents) icon and an e-dictionary-related icon and the user touches itfor a long term, the controller 180 may execute the function (menu) ofeach icon constituting the integrated merged icon. If the user wants tosearch for a word while reading particular contents, he may immediatelycheck a search result through an e-dictionary function which issimultaneously executed. Meanwhile, when the user touches the integratedwidget icon for a short term, the individual widget icons constitutingthe integrated widget icon may be discriminately displayed and one ofthe menu of them may be selectively executed.

For another example, when an integrated widget icon is generated bymerging the camera icon and a schedule-related icon and the user touchesit for a long term, the controller 180 may executes the function (menu)of the individual icons constituting the merged integrated icon and addsphoto images captured through the camera function to a correspondingdate of a schedule in synchronization with the date at which the imageswere captured. The user can immediately check the captured photo imagesby the date through the schedule function, and view a screen imagerelated to the schedule in synchronization with the capture date (orreception date) of a corresponding photo image. However, when the usertouches the integrated widget icon for a short term, the individualicons constituting the integrated widget icon may be discriminatelydisplayed and one of the menu of them may be selectively executed.

In each embodiment, the simultaneously executed menus can be displayedon a single screen in a divided manner, may be displayed in an overlaidmanner in the form of a foreground or a background, or may be displayedin a dual-display window in a divided manner.

FIG. 12F illustrates an integrated widget generated by merging three ormore widgets.

As shown in FIG. 12F, the controller 180 controller 180 may displayindividual widgets around an icon or may display the individual widgetsin the form of a pop-up list.

When the button B10 is selected (touched), the controller 180 displaysthe individual widgets as shown in FIG. 12F. The user may assign apriority level (or use frequency) to the individual widgets to designatelocations of the individual widgets displayed around a widget icon.

The controller 180 may display the number of individual widgetsconstituting the corresponding integrated widget on the icon of theintegrated widget. The user may recognize how many widgets have beenmerged into the corresponding integrated widget through the numberdisplayed on the icon of the integrated widget.

If the user wants to demerge a particular widget from the integratedwidget, the user may separate the corresponding widget from theintegrated while the individual widgets appear around the icon of theintegrated widget.

The user may conceal widgets with a low use frequency by using mergingof widgets. Namely, the user may collect widgets with a low usefrequency and merge them to implement a widget concealment function.

FIG. 13 is an overview of a display screen illustrating an example ofmerging and demerging of widgets having particular themes.

Merging and demerging of widgets each having a particular theme aresimilar to the cases illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12F in that severalwidgets are combined (merged) to perform a single integrated functionbut different in that the merged individual widgets have a common theme(e.g., a camera function, etc.)

With reference to FIG. 13, when more than a certain number of widgetshaving a particular common theme are collected, the controller 180 maycombine the collected widgets to perform an integrated function.

As shown in FIG. 13, in case of an integrated widget that can beintegrated when four widgets (i.e., a body widget C10 based on a themeof a camera function, a flash widget C20, a lens widget C30, and atripod widget C40) are gathered, whenever widgets are merged, thecamera-related functions are increasingly added. When the four widgetsC10 to C40 are all merged, the integrated widget that perform a fullcamera function can be generated.

The body widget C10 provides a camera filter function allowing fortaking an image with a vintage touch like a manual camera. The lenswidget C20 provides a camera zoom (zoom-in or zoom-out) function like atelephoto lens. The flash widget C30 provides a clear, bright camerafilter function like a flash of a camera. The tripod widget C40 providesa correction function of preventing hand-shaking as if a tripod wasused.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the lens widget C20 and the body widget C10are merged, the merged integrated widget C50 has a camera zoom (zoom-in,zoom-out) function in addition to the camera filter function allowingfor taking an image with a vintage touch.

When the flash widget function C30 is merged to the integrated widgetC50, the merged integrated widget C60 can have the clear, bright camerafilter function like a camera flash.

When the tripod widget C40 is merged into the integrated widget C60, themerged integrated widget C70 can provide a full camera function byadditionally having the correction function of preventing hand-shaking.

The integrated widgets C50, C60, and C70 can be downloaded as a singlepackage from a server. Also, the integrated widgets C50, C60, and C70can be shared as a single package with other terminals.

FIG. 14 is overviews of display screens illustrating another example ofmerging and demerging of FIG. 13. When more than a certain number ofwidgets having a particular common theme are collected, the controller180 may register and operate merged collected widgets in the form ofapplications and utilize them as items of games (e.g., Tetris, acombative sport game, etc.).

Tetris game will now be described as an example.

Tetris game is a game with a simple principle of heap up pattern blockseach having a different shape.

A service provider may distribute or sell six widgets W11, W12, W13,W14, W15, and W16 having the same shape as those six figuresconstituting Tetris. The user may download the six widgets as a packageat a time, or may download one by one whenever required, from theservice provider.

When the user collects and combines all the six widgets W11, W12, W13,W14, W15, and W16, an integrated widget available for executing theTetris game can be created. Each function of the six widgets may have acommon theme or may be completely different.

As shown in FIG. 14, the functions of the six widgets W11, W12, W13,W14, W15, and W16 having the same shapes as those of the six figuresconstituting the Tetris may be related to each other or may have acommon theme, or may be completely different.

The user purchases the widgets whenever necessary, so currently, if theuser have collected five widgets related to the Tetris, the gamefunction of the integrated widget according to the present exemplaryembodiment stimulates the purchase the user's desire with respect to theremaining single widget. Namely, the user would purchase the remainingsingle widget according to his desire for enjoying the Tetris gameregardless of its necessity.

When the six widgets W11, W12, W13, W14, W15, and W16 are merged tocreate an integrated widget, the user may operate the integrated widgetin the same manner as the case illustrated in FIG. 12E.

As described above with reference to FIG. 12E, the integrated widget mayperform the game function or may perform the functions of the individualwidgets W11, W12, W13, W14, W15, and W16 constituting the integratedwidget according to a user selection.

In order to perform the functions of the individual widgets W11, W12,W13, W14, W15, and W16, the integrated widget may have the button B10 onits icon. When the button B10 is selected (touched), the controller 180may provide control to make the individual widgets W11, W12, W13, W14,W15, and W16 appear around the icon of the integrated widget, so thatthe user can select (and execute) one of the individual widgets. Thecontroller 180 may provide to control such that the individual widgetsW11, W12, W13, W14, W15, and W16 around the icon of the integratedwidget appear only while the user touches the button B10.

Also, the individual widgets around the icon of the integrated widgetmay be implemented such that they appear during a certain time when thebutton B10 is touched, and then disappear. Also, like the case as shownin FIG. 12E, when the user separates a particular widget from theintegrated widget while the individual widgets appear around the icon ofthe integrated widget, the corresponding widget is demerged from theintegrated widget.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the game functioncan be executed only when all of the certain number (e.g., fix ones) ofwidgets are merged. Meanwhile, the game level may be updated or thenumber of rounds may be increased each time widgets are merged.

For example, in case of a combative sport game, if the service providerdistributes or sells widgets related to the combative sport game, theuser may execute the combative game by simply generating an integratedwidget by merging two widgets. In this case, however, the level of thegame or its number of rounds may be limited.

In order to update the level of the combative sport game or increase thenumber of rounds, the user may additionally purchase or downloadrelevant widgets.

Alternatively, when an integrated widget is generated by merging twowidgets, authority for using the same may be limited in the form of alight version. An integrated widget may be implemented to notify aboutpurchasing or downloading the remaining widgets when a predeterminedtime lapses in a state that a usage term or the number are set to belimited.

A widget display method in the aspect of management according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed.

In terms of the characteristics of the mobile terminal that needs to beeasily carried around and portable, there is a spatial limitation indisplaying widgets on the display device. Hereinafter, various widgetmanagement methods utilizing a limited space will be described.

FIG. 15 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition ofautomatically aligned widgets according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. Grids having certain intervals is displayed onthe screen of the terminal and widgets are aligned according to a usersetting (e.g., automatic alignment or manual alignment (or automaticsorting or manual sorting). Horizontal and vertical intervals of thegrids may be changed arbitrarily by the user.

When the alignment of the user is set as automatic alignment, thecontroller 180 moves the widgets displayed on the screen to contactpoints of the nearest grids, respectively, as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition ofmanually aligned widgets according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

When the alignment of the widgets is set as a manual alignment, the usermay concretely set a widget alignment such as a one-column disposition,one-row disposition, vertical/horizontal corner (or end) pointdisposition, a coordinates setting disposition, and the like.

FIG. 17 is an overview of a display screen illustrating disposition offixedly designated widgets according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 17, the user can fix the widgets at locations ofparticular coordinate points. The user may fix the widgets with a highuse frequency at locations (e.g., points that can be easily recognizedby the user). In the present exemplary embodiment, even when a largenumber of widgets are aligned on the screen, the user can quickly findand execute desired widgets.

With reference to FIG. 17, when the user shakes the terminal by morethan a certain number of times, the controller 180 may recognize itthrough a certain sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor, or the like) of theterminal and positions the widgets with a high use frequency atpredetermined designated coordinates.

FIG. 18 is overviews of display screens set for widget disposition.

As shown in FIG. 18, when widgets are displayed, the display unit 151may display a software button B20 for displaying grids.

When an input (e.g., pressing) of the software button B20 is detected,the controller 180 displays (or removes) the horizontal and verticalgrids at certain intervals on the screen and applies a special effect(e.g., alpha blending) to the background image so that the widgets andthe grids can be more emphasized (or conspicuous).

FIG. 19 is overviews of display screens of widget disposition fortransferring a particular message.

The controller 180 may dispose widgets such that a particular messagecan be transmitted. For example, when the user selects one (e.g.,heart-like shape) of various shapes provided from the terminal, thecontroller 19 disposes the widgets in the heart-like shape as shown inFIG. 19, thereby expressing the user's intention (message) with thewidget disposition.

FIG. 20 is overviews of display screens illustrating locations ofwidgets newly added to the screen.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 generates anewly added (or downloaded) widget at designated coordinates. As thenewly added widget is displayed at the designated coordinates, the usercan easily recognize it. The user can change the designated coordinates.

When a new widget (e.g., a widget-2) is added, if a certain widget(e.g., a widget-1) has already taken the designated coordinates, thecontroller 180 pushes out the existing widget (i.e., the widget-1) anddisplays the new widget (i.e., the widget-2) at the designatedcoordinates. This display method is applied in the same manner whenseveral widgets are generated all together at a time. When the newwidget (i.e., widget-2) appears at the designated coordinates, thecontroller 180 thrushes the existing widget (i.e., the widget-1) out ofthe designated coordinates as if a magnet is thrust out by a magnethaving the same polarity.

FIG. 21 illustrates the space between widgets.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 may set theinterval (i.e., space or gap) between the widgets. By setting a minimumspace between the widgets, the widgets can be easily discriminated interms of user interface.

The space setting function of the widget is to maintain more than acertain distance between the widgets when the widgets are alignedautomatically or manually. When the user shakes the terminal by morethan a certain number of times, the controller 180 may recognize itthrough the sensor (e.g., the gyro sensor, or the like) provided in theterminal and perform automatic alignment. Also, when the user directlymoves a widget through a touch input (e.g., drag-and-drop), the widgetscan be maintained at a certain interval from each other withoutoverlapping with each other. The user may change the space set betweenthe widgets. Also, the user may release the function of setting a spacebetween the widgets. When the space setting function is released, two ormore widgets may be displayed in an overlap manner.

FIG. 22 is overviews of display screens illustrating a widget managementtool for a screen display.

As shown in FIG. 22, a widget management tool according to the presentexemplary embodiment may be displayed in the form of a pop-up window orin the form of a menu setting window.

The user may set a widget alignment method with respect to a list viewthrough the widget management tool.

Namely, according to the user setting, the widget management tool alignswidgets in the order of download or generation date and time. Also, thewidget management tool can align the widgets discriminately according toan old list or the latest list. Also, the widget management tool maydiscriminately align frequently used widgets and infrequently usedwidgets. In this case, the widget management tool may also display thenumber of calls. Also, when the user shakes the mobile terminal by morethan a certain number of times, the controller 180 may recognize it andperform automatic alignment through the sensor (e.g., the gyro sensor orthe like) provided in the terminal.

Also, the widget management tool can align the widgets according tocategories having a similar function. For example, time-related widgetssuch as a digital clock, an analog clock, a dual-time, and the like, maybe separately displayed, calendar-related widgets such as a monthlycalendar, a daily calendar, an yearly calendar, and the like, may beseparately displayed, or camera-related widgets such as a flash, zoom, afilter, and the like, may be separately displayed.

Also, the widget management tool may provide a widget concealmentfunction according to a user setting. When the user selects a check boxof a particular category, widgets of the corresponding category can beconcealed from the screen. The concealment function may be applied bythe category or may be more concretely applied by the widget.

FIG. 23 illustrate a method for discriminating widgets based on color.

As shown in FIG. 23, the widget management tool according to the presentexemplary embodiment may display widgets in the form of a pop-up windowor a menu setting window.

The controller 180 may display the widgets in different colors accordingto their use frequency. The user may recognize the call (i.e.,retrieval, use) frequency of corresponding widgets based on the color ofthe widgets displayed on the screen.

For example, based on the use frequency of widgets (e.g., five times perweek), if widgets have been called (used) by five times or less perweek, the controller may display them in light gray, and if widgets havebeen called (used) by three times or less per week, the controller 180may display them in dark gray. In addition, a use reference date ofwidgets may be determined, and different colors may be applied towidgets according to the call or use frequency after the reference date.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 may apply the“method for discriminating widgets based on color” to widgets of a lightversion (sample or shareware) having a limited usage number of times orusage period.

If a usage number of times or a usage period of a widget is impending,the color of the widget may be changed to a black and white color (e.g.,a light gray color tone) to allow the user to recognize the fact thatthe usage available number of times or period of the correspondingwidget is at hand.

In case of a widget whose usage number of times or period has expired,the widget may be displayed in a dark gray color tone and a portion ofthe function of the corresponding widget may be paralyzed, thus limitingexecution of the widget.

As for the limitation of the usage number of times or period of widgets,another discriminating method can be applied.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the controller may display anavailable period (date or time) or an available number of a widget onthe corresponding widget icon. Looking at the number, displayed on thewidget icon, gradually decreasing, the user can recognize the fact thatthe available number or period of the widget is limited.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 23(C) and 23(D), the widget icon may have acertain look (e.g., an emoticon of a depressed (or sad) look) to allowthe user to recognize the fact that the available number or period ofthe widget is limited.

FIG. 24 illustrates is overviews of display screens illustrating afunction connection between widgets.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the connection functionbetween widgets is that when a particular condition is met, an alreadyexecuted widget calls a certain widget.

For example, it is assumed that the user make a note of an importantevent for a particular date (e.g., 15^(th), August). Then, the user, whoshould necessarily remember the important event, may set the connectionfunction between a calendar widget and a note pad widget.

When the particular date (e.g., 15^(th), August) arrives, the calendarwidget may call the note pad widget and the called note pad widget maydisplay the event which has been made a note in a manner the user canrecognize it (e.g., alarm sound, vibration, screen image blinking, etc.)

A widget display method in a physical aspect of the mobile terminalaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention willnow be described.

In the third exemplary embodiment, in order to allow widgets to have amass sense, physical factors are applied to a widget operation (ordriving).

FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) are overviews of display screens illustrating amass sense of widgets.

As shown in FIG. 25(A), the controller 180 may output physical factorsregarding the sense of hearing (e.g., a sound), the sense of touch(e.g., vibration), the sense of sight, etc., along with execution of acorresponding widget in consideration of the size, volume, shape, andquantity of the widgets. The strength of the physical factors (e.g., thesize of a sound, the strength or duration of vibration, the speed of amovement (or wobbling), etc.) transferred to the user may vary dependingon the size, volume, shape and quantity of the widgets.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the size of a widget may be set tobe proportional to the use frequency or importance. Also, the strengthof the physical elements (e.g., the size of a sound, the strength orduration of vibration, the speed of a movement (or wobbling), etc.)outputted when the widget is executed may be implemented to beproportional to the size of the corresponding widget.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the user shakes the terminal,the controller 180 detects it and may provide control to shake thewidgets according to the degree of shaking. Also, the controller 180 mayoutput the physical factors (e.g., sound, vibration, etc.) along withthe shaking of the widgets.

FIG. 25(B) illustrates the movement of widgets reacting with gravity.

As shown in FIG. 25(B), the controller 180 controls the movement ofwidgets such that they react on the tilting of the terminal. Like themarbles within a box collide and roll, the widgets on the screen maymake the same movement as the marbles within the box.

When the widgets collide with each other or collide with a wall surfaceof the screen, the controller 180 outputs physical factors (e.g., sound,vibration, etc.) indicating the degree of collision. Of course, in thiscase, the strength (e.g., the size of a sound, the strength or durationof vibration, the speed of a movement (or wobbling), etc.) of thephysical factors transferred to the user may vary according to the size,volume, shape, and quantity of the widgets.

A widget display method in a visual aspect according to a fourthexemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a motionpath regarding a widget movement is set, so that widgets can move alongthe motion path at certain periods. In the present exemplary embodiment,the user may recognize a current time, an event (or a project), aproceeding situation based on the movement of locations of widgetsappearing on the screen of the terminal.

FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B) illustrate a method for displaying widgets byusing motion paths, in which a motion path indicating a time lapse and amotion path indicating a project status are shown.

In case of the time lapse motion path, as shown in FIG. 26(B), thelocation of a widget may move with the lapse of time. The user mayestimate a current time zone of the day through the movement andlocation of the widget on the motion path.

In case of the motion path indicating a project status, the user may seta start point (e.g., an ordering time point) for a widget movement, theshape of a motion path, an overall lapse time (e.g., an overall projectperiod), a time duration of each section (e.g., a scheduled performingperiod of each process), and the like. When the user setting iscompleted, the controller 180 locates the corresponding widget atcoordinates corresponding to a current time point among the overalllapse time, and moves the widget with time.

The user may check whether or not each process of the project isproceeding as planned through the movement or the location of the widgetmoving on the motion path.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the setting of the motion path andthe movement of the widget may be implemented according to a method forrecognizing a motion pattern of a flash.

A mobile terminal according to the present invention comprises an inputunit configured to detect an external input, a display unit configuredto display a plurality of widgets, and a controller configured tomerge/demerge the plurality of widgets and execute an integratedfunction based on an integrated widget.

when the integrated widget is generated by merging the plurality ofwidgets, the controller assigns a new function to the generatedintegrated widget.

when the integrated widget is selected, the controller displays widgetsconstituting the integrated widget or the number of widgets constitutingthe integrated widget.

when more than a certain number of widgets having at least one of acommon theme, a common menu category, and a simultaneously-performedmenu are merged into the integrated widget.

As described above, the widget display method according to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention may be implemented bycomputer-readable codes in a program-recorded medium. Thecomputer-readable medium includes any kind of recording device in whichdata that can be read by a computer system is stored.

The computer-readable medium may include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, amagnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and thelike. The computer-readable medium also includes implementations in theform of carrier waves or signals (e.g., transmission via the Internet).In addition, the computer may include the controller 180 of theterminal.

As so far described, according to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, widgets are implemented to be merged and demerged,and the mobile terminal can display, operate and manage the widgets.

The concept of UI-wise merging and demerging is applied to the simplewidget functions to update the widget functions. Also, widgets can beeffectively managed through various scenarios of widget operations.

In addition, the mass sense of widgets are expressed by using physicalfactors, and an autonomous movement are given by a motion patternrecognition.

As the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims. Therefore, various changes and modifications that fallwithin the scope of the claims, or equivalents of such scope aretherefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

1. A mobile terminal comprising: an input unit configured to detect anexternal input; a display unit configured to display a plurality ofwidgets; and a controller configured to merge/demerge the plurality ofwidgets and execute an integrated function based on an integratedwidget.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when the integratedwidget is generated by merging the plurality of widgets, the controllerassigns a new function to the generated integrated widget.
 3. The mobileterminal of claim 2, wherein when the integrated widget is selected, thecontroller displays widgets constituting the integrated widget or thenumber of widgets constituting the integrated widget.
 4. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein when more than a certain number of widgetshaving at least one of a common theme, a common menu category, and asimultaneously-performed menu are merged into the integrated widget. 5.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller controls suchthat the display unit displays grids at certain intervals and performsautomatic alignment or manual alignment of the widgets.
 6. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein when particular conditions are met, thecontroller controls such that a widget being executed calls a certainwidget.
 7. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when an externalimpact on the mobile terminal is detected, the controller outputs atleast one of vibration, a sound, and image shaking as a physical factorapplied to each widget.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein thecontroller controls such that a widget designated by a user moves alonga particular path with time.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, whereina usage limitation period or a usage limitation number of a widget isdisplayed at one side of the widget.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 9,wherein when a widget limited in its use frequency or a usage period isdisplayed, different colors are applied to the widget based on the usagereference number or before or after a reference date of the widget. 11.A method for operating a widget of a mobile terminal, the methodcomprising: coupling two or more widgets according to a user selection;displaying an integrated widget according to the merged widgets; andselectively executing one of functions of the integrated widgetaccording to a user input.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein theintegrated widget generated by merging the certain number of widgets isassigned a new function.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:when a certain input is detected, displaying individual widgets of theintegrated widget or the number of individual widgets of the integratedwidget.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein, in displaying theintegrated widget, a usage limitation period or a usage limitationnumber are displayed at one side of the integrated widget.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein, in displaying the integrated widget,different colors are applied to the integrated widget based on the usagelimitation number or before and after a usage limitation date of theintegrated widget.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein, in displayingthe integrated widget, when an external impact applied on the mobileterminal is detected, the controller outputs at least one of vibration,a sound, and image shaking as a physical factor applied to each widget.17. The method of claim 11, wherein, in displaying the integratedwidget, the integrated widget is displayed such that it moves along aparticular path with time.